In his new role, Russell will oversee all sales and marketing activities for Sandestin. He will also serve as strategic counsel for Intrawest Hospitality Management for the Marriott Courtyard and Marriott Residence Inn, both located at Sandestin, as well as Cottage Rental Agency in nearby Seaside.

"Scott Russell is known as a marquis player in the sales and marketing arena and has a proven track record for building and developing outstanding teams," said Brian Collins, president of Intrawest. "We look forward to the positive contributions Scott will bring to Sandestin," added Collins.

Russell served more than 18 years with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, most recently as vice president of sales and marketing for the company's properties in the Caribbean and Mexico. During his tenure with Ritz-Carlton, Russell was also responsible for all company-wide sales training initiatives. In addition, he held senior leadership roles with Ritz-Carlton New Orleans and Ritz-Carlton Atlanta.

Prior to joining Ritz-Carlton, Russell spent six years with the Le Meridien Hotel in New Orleans, where he served as sales manager, assistant director of human resources and director of training.

Russell received his bachelor's degree from the University of New Orleans. He is also a graduate of several Ritz-Carlton sales training programs including Mastering Sales Productivity, Strategy and Peak Performance programs as well as Ritz-Carlton's renowned "Oratorio" public speaking program. He is the recipient of several awards and recognitions including Ritz-Carlton's top sales person in 1992, 1993 and 1994. In 2003, Russell was named one of New Orleans "Top Men of Substance and Style" by New Orleans Magazine and in 2004 he was named WHERE Magazine's Silver Plum Award winner as the "Marketing Director of the Year."

Russell has been involved in several community and civic organizations including "Food and Friends" and the "Children's Inn" at the National Institute of Health, both based in Washington, DC. He has also served as a guest lecturer at the University of New Orleans and other colleges and universities.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort offers the most complete beach resort experience in North America. Located on the popular Beaches of South Walton, Sandestin is a 2,400-acre destination resort for all seasons and for all ages. Sandestin invites guests to enter a world of sugar white sand beaches, 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,600 condominiums, villas, town homes and a wide variety of hotel accommodations. The luxury golf resort features four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 98-slip marina, a fitness center and Spa, 65,000 square feet of meeting space and a pedestrian village featuring a host of boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants and nightlife venues. Sandestin is a unit of Intrawest, a world leader in experiential destination resorts.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
www.sandestin.com